US Senator Bob Casey announced Monday that he is introducing legislation that would prevent those convicted of criminal acts based on hate from owning firearms.

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The Hate Crimes Prevention Act would prohibit the purchase, possession, or shipment of a firearm by anyone convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime, and would also prohibit the sale of firearms to anyone reasonably suspected of being guilty of a hate crime.

"If you have proven you will commit criminal acts based on hate, you absolutely should not have access to a gun. It's common sense," Casey said.

"It is time we as members of Congress do something. If you are a member of Congress and you say you care about security then you have to take steps to keep guns out of the wrong hands and ensure our law enforcement has the resources needed to keep communities safe."

Casey also called for other actions, including a ban on military-style weapons, limits on clips and magazine sizes, and a ban on those on the terrorist watchlist from purchasing firearms, and called for universal background checks.